LABOUR Euro-MP Eluned Morgan last night challenged Wales' Tories to reveal whether they still plan to strip voters of their rights in the workplace.

LABOUR Euro-MP Eluned Morgan last night challenged Wales' Tories to reveal whether they still plan to strip voters of their rights in the workplace.

Ms Morgan was speaking after a visit to Axiom Manufacturing, which employs 180 people at its Newbridge factory making high-quality audio systems for UK and European export markets.

Ms Morgan said, "Thanks to Labour-backed EU measures, three million part-time workers had the right to paid holiday for the first time last year. I've met many people on the campaign trail, especially in the catering trade, enjoying paid time off for the first time.

"It is also thanks to the EU that no-one can be forced to work more than 48 hours a week.

"Jonathan Evans and his Tory MEPs voted against these rights. Michael Howard has bitterly criticised them, saying they would lose us jobs. Yet, since we signed the Social Chapter, 1.9 million more jobs have been created in Britain.

"The challenge Welsh Labour is making to the Tories in Wales is simple. Are they planning to force Welsh workers to put in more than 48 hours a week? Are they going to take away young mothers' maternity rights? Are they going to strip people of their entitlements to paid holidays?"

Axiom congratulated Ms Morgan for her work on the European Parliament's environment committee, saying two particular EU laws had opened up business opportunities.

Ms Morgan said, "Businesses often portray EU laws as a problem, whereas Axiom positively embraces two of the laws passed by my committee. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment directive is actually bringing business into Axiom."

Tory Euro MP Jonathan Evans responded, "Eluned Morgan should clarify for us whether she still disagrees with Tony Blair that Britain should retain its opt-out over the EU law that forbids workers from working more than 48 hours a week.

"Ending the opt-out would be catastrophic for British business and British workers, as even Tony Blair recognises. It would cost firms billions and deprive many workers of enhanced overtime payments. "Yet Eluned Morgan and Glenys Kinnock oppose the opt-out because they are obliged to as members of the Socialist group."